Chapter 22: Alone but Chosen
As soon as he could, Alex rushed to the company. He didn't wait for permission, didn't stop to chat with the receptionist, he just walked straight to Phillip's office and knocked firmly.
"Come in," came a voice from inside.
Alex pushed the door open. "Phillip."
Phillip looked up, surprised but not annoyed. "Alex. You didn't waste time."
"I couldn't," Alex said, stepping in. "How did the presentation go?"
Phillip leaned back in his chair and let out a deep, tired breath. "Man... I've led projects before. I've pitched. I've stood in front of boards, investors, managers... But this one?" He shook his head and smiled faintly. "This one almost swallowed me."
Alex blinked. "That serious?"
Phillip nodded. "Bro, it was intense. The tension in that boardroom could slice through stone. I was sweating like someone under interrogation. I'm still recovering."
He laughed lightly, but Alex could see the exhaustion behind it.
"I hope it went well?" Alex asked.
Phillip gave a small nod. "I think so. They didn't give a final answer, but their expressions... their questions... Something tells me it made an impact."